Obituaries

In Remembrance: Laura K. Keefe ’91 Died on October 3 2021

On October 3, 2021, Laura Katrina Keefe, beloved daughter to Terri Lee Young and Francis Edward Keefe and beloved sister to Gerald Francis Keefe and Judith Johanna Frost, passed away at the age of 51.

Laura was born on January 14, 1970, in Exeter, New Hampshire, to Terri and Francis. She graduated from the Hotchkiss School in 1987 and Yale University in 1991 and lived thereafter in New Haven, Boston, New York, and finally in Los Angeles, involved in various creative pursuits.  She forayed briefly into investments, music, and dance, but principally spent her time writing.  Laura was a loving aunt to her nieces, engaging, thoughtful and kind, and brought a sophisticated presence to her visits.  She drew them to John Langstaff, Tasha Tudor, and centerpiece crafting, rather than allowing them to “dissolve in front of the television” as she put it.   

Talented at virtually everything she touched, including mathematics, languages, sciences, music, art, and creative writing, she ultimately committed to a life spent in pursuit of peace for her soul.  Tragically, this proved elusive for her on earth.  Despite missing Laura deeply, her family finds solace in the knowledge that she has at last found the peace she sought. 

Laura is survived by her mother, Terri; her father, Francis, and his wife, Joan; her brother, Gerry, and sister-in-law, Tracy; her sister, Judith, and brother-in-law, Scott; and by six nieces.  

A memorial service will be held at the chapel of the Hotchkiss School on Friday July 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

—Submitted by the family.

2 remembrances

  • Jennifer, Erik and Aidan Bakke
    Jennifer, Erik and Aidan Bakke, 12:09pm May 05 2022 | Ico flag Flag as inappropriate

    What a lovely written snapshot of Laura’s life and achievements.

    I remember hanging out at our backyard cookout one summer and realizing how brilliant Laura was - she was very much into Laura Ingalls Wilder at the time.

    Our hearts go out to you all - rest peacefully Laura,

    Jenn, Erik and Aidan

  • Jím Fulton
    Jím Fulton, 5:51am March 24 2023 | Ico flag Flag as inappropriate

    I am just reading of this Laura's passing. We had great times on Martha's Vineyard where she livened the community with her verve and free-spirited nature.

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